August 20, 2007

8/20: Down Ballot Battles

Considering that even Newsweek's Jonathan Alter got 'shrill' over the Dem capitulation on FISA, it should be no surprise that the netroots are still seething over the vote. Up til recently, however, that anger netted little more than teeth mashing. Open Left's Chris Bowers wants that to change and has identified 16 Dems who are ripe for primary challenges from the left. At the top of the list: Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA 03). We have yet to see widespread support for Bowers suggested plan of action, but unlike the caucuses, the IA primary is almost a year away. In '06 the netroots expanded their reach within the party by successfully challenging Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT). If Barack Obama continues to fail to distinguish himself from Hillary Clinton in the netroots eyes, look for netroots energy to be focussed on cleansing the party of 'Bush Dems' like Boswell.

Posted by Conn Carroll at August 20, 2007 01:03 PM